[From Manx Quarterly, #25]

LAXEY WAR MEMORIAL

The ceremony of unveiling a war memorial tablet to the men of Lonan and Laxey who fell in the Great War, took place on Sunday afternoon, January 9th, [1921] at Lonan Parish Church, Mr L. Goldie-Taubman performing the unveiling ceremony. Notwithstanding the bad weather a large assemblage of people, estimated at considerably over 300, were present. A recital of high-class music on a Victor Victrola gramaphone was provided by Mr Robt. Wood, who is on a visit to Lonan from U.S.A. In the course of the proceedings, after thanking Mr Goldie-Taubman for his response to the general wish that he should unveil the tablet, the Vicar referred briefly to his distinguished work on behalf of Manx sailors and soldiers during the years of stress and agony entailed by the war. When the ceremony had been performed, Mr Taubman briefly addressed the congregation, directing their thoughts to the hope of eternal life and the infinite love of the Eternal Father, into whose more immediate presence the departed had passed. A laurel wreath had been placed by Mrs Quine (Vicarage) on the central orbit of the tablet; and a beautiful cross of flowers, provided by Mr Taubman, was placed beside it. The tablet is surmounted by the ancient arms of the Isle of Man (the Viking galley) set on a hatchment, the emblem of mourning. On the tablet slab is the Sword of Man, enamelled in steel, the hilt in red coral enamel, with the guard and pommel bearing the Three Legs of Man. The inscription reads " To the greater glory of God and in memory of the men of Lonan and Laxey who fell in the Great War, A.D. 1914-1919." The 41 names of the fallen are in gold letters in three columns on the main face of the white marble. The design is by Mr A. Knox, in white, black and gold. The marble-mason work is by Mr R. W. Creer, of Douglas.